Re toxic smoker fuel.  Back in the old days, some used the oil-saturated
innards of used auto oil filters.  Really dense smoke, but probably more
toxic with heavy metals and hydrocarbons than plant fiber.  I know of one
large beekeeper that has his crew use burlap soaked in used black crankcase
oil.  Can't imagine how he rationalizes it in this day and age.

My choice; pine needles collected after the first winter wind & rain storm
from slopes and curves on paved roads.  The car tires fluff up the needles,
and the rain leaches the oils.  The resulting fluff can be forked up by the
pickup load, lights easily, packs easily, doesn't spark, lasts a long time,
and smells great.

Randy Oliver
Calif

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